BILOXI, Miss. -- Mississippi State University welcomed a new forestry specialist Nov. 1.

Shaun Tanger joined the MSU Extension Service in the southeast region as a forestry specialist with area and statewide duties. He also is a faculty member in the MSU Department of Forestry. Tanger is located in the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi.

As an Extension area forester, Tanger will conduct programs on all general forestry issues that influence landowner decision-making processes specific to the southeast region of the state. His focus for statewide programs will include economics, taxes, timber stand management and finance, and local, state and federal policy. He plans to begin conducting timber tax workshops statewide in spring 2020.

“Forest landowners face a lot of challenges with changing markets, along with the traditional problems of insects and disease and local regulations,” Tanger said. “I focus on programs that give forest landowners the tools and information to face these challenges and best respond based on their objectives and goals for their property.”

Tanger comes to MSU from the Louisiana State University AgCenter, where he served as an associate Extension professor of forest economics. He earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, a master’s degree in forestry economics and a doctorate in forestry from Auburn University. He is a member of the Mississippi Forestry Association. He belonged to several local and statewide forestry organizations in Louisiana, serving on the board of directors for some groups.

“Shaun will be a great asset to Extension, and we are excited to welcome him,” said James Henderson, head of the Coastal Research and Extension Center. “He brings much-needed expertise to our region and state.”